One thing you can be sure of when you play Riverview is they are going to run the ball. And run the ball. And if you are expecting them to pass, they will probably run the ball some more. The Sharks operate an option attack that will highlight halfback Kimo Vereen and fullback Freddy McCoy.

Even if the Sharks fall behind, head coach Mike Thornton doesn’t stray from the option.

“Just because you run the ball doesn’t mean you can’t score quickly,” Thornton said.

Riverview is looking at two potential candidates at quarterback to lead the option, Keisean Young and Isaiah Alexander. Whoever winds up being the full-time starter, Thornton is looking to add some explosiveness to the offense.

“Our kids are getting smarter about running the option,” Thornton said. “Athleticism is important. We are looking for that dynamic athlete and that dynamic player.”

SUPPLY

Bend don’t break

On defense, the Sharks share a lot of the core principles they have on offense. Thornton said his team is OK with giving up 3 or 4 yards here and there. The main goal for Riverview is to avoid the big play.

“We have a gap control defense. Bend but don’t break. We make sure (the opposing offense is) earning what they get,” Thornton said. “Our defense mirrors our offense philosophy. Force other team into being disciplined. We want to shorten the game. We won’t sell out to make risky moves.”

DEMAND

Execute

Riverview went 2-8 last season, but had opportunities to win some other games. Thornton said his approach this season isn’t so much on wins and losses, but to get better as team.

“Our philosophy doesn’t change,” Thornton said. “We are going to improve things we can control like improve on protecting the football.

“Turnovers were the difference between 2-8 and 5-5.”

The Sharks will need to protect the football in order to compete in the tough 8A-Distirct 6 that features Plant, Newsome, Alonso, Wharton and Bloomingdale. Thronton said that no matter the opponent, his team will have a set of goals they will look to accomplish.

“Our expectations are always to execute and execute at the highest level possible,” Thornton said. “Execution is very objective. When you (play the game) and see the outcome, they understand why it happened.

We are very much goal oriented.”

Tough district

The Sharks move up a classification this season and will have to contend with Plant, Wharton, Newsome, Alosno and Bloomingdale in Class 8A-District 6. To make matters worse, the Newsome, Alonso and Wharton games are on the road.